Applications are now open for Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s fourth annual UK Returning Talent programme, which aims to help bridge the gap between being a stay-at-home parent or carer and re-entering the workplace.
People who have been out of work for a year or more are invited to apply for one of the 20 available places via the firm’s careers website.
In partnership with the Executive Coaching Consultancy, the firm is looking to attract individuals from a range of backgrounds including finance, legal and other professional services where their most recent role featured a transferable skill set.
The 2015 programme begins with a conference (20 January 2015) that gives 50 participants the opportunity to explore changes in the workplace through speaker sessions involving past returners, and workshops designed to focus on the challenges of re-entering the workplace. Twenty attendees will then be selected to attend two full day workshops (3 and 5 February 2015) supporting a transition back to work and offering practical guidance on focusing and managing your career search, insights into balancing work and home lives, and access to executive coaching. At the end of the programme, it is anticipated that participants will feel better equipped and confident to re-enter the world of work.
The Returning Talent programme gave me the confidence to approach prospective employers despite having had a lengthy career break. I would highly recommend the programme to anyone contemplating a return to the workplace. – Sally Shaw, participant of the 2014 Returning Talent Programme.
“Bank of America Merrill Lynch is strongly committed to attracting, recruiting and developing diverse talent, and we recognise that returning to work after time out to care for a family member – whether that be a parent, sibling or child – can be daunting for many,” said Ama Afrifa-Kyei, Diversity and Inclusion manager for EMEA.
“Although there is no guarantee of employment with us at the end of the programme, we hope that many participants will be successful in securing work as a result of their experience. If you are contemplating your return to work, the networking, insight and exposure this programme offers will be invaluable,” she added.
About Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Developing solutions for social and economic challenges is at the core of Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s responsibility platform. In more than 90 countries around the world, we partner with employees, clients and stakeholders to help make financial lives better. The firm focuses on responsible business practices, environmental sustainability, advancing opportunity in local communities through education and employability programmes and investing in global leadership development. We realise the power of our people and value our differences – in thought, style, sexual orientation, gender identity, culture, ethnicity and experience – recognising that our diversity makes us a stronger company. By encouraging a diverse, inclusive workplace we have the business advantage of understanding and meeting the needs of our diverse customers, clients and communities, and promoting cultural understanding. By harnessing our intellectual resources, sharing knowledge and connecting capital with need, we are providing opportunities that effect positive change. Learn more at www.bankofamerica.com/about.
